Mixture control valve for faucets



Aug. 11, 1953 P. HAGEN 2,648,350

vINIMTURE CONTROL VALVE FOR FAUCETS 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 16. 1947 7 49 INI ENTOR.

FIG' 2 BY 5 Aug. 1l, 1953 P. HAGEN MIXTURE CONTROL VALVE FOR FAUCETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16. 1947 INVENTOR.

BY l

@Wim

Aug. l1, 1953 P. HAGEN MIXTURE CONTROL VALVE FOR FAUCETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 16. 1947 INVENTOR. BYQS Hug Patented Aug. 11, 1953 MIXTURE CONTROL VALVE FOR FAUCETS Peter Hagen, Sharon Hill, Pa.

Application April 16, 1947, Serial No. 7 41,857

Claims.

(Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952),

sec. 266) vThis invention relates to new and useful improvements in mixture-control valves for faucets 'and similar devices, and relates more particularly to mixture-control valves having a single control handle to effect now of two separate liquids either singly or jointly in desired proportion. To produce this effect, a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a body member carrying a valve-in-valve mechanism, a stop arrangement having cooperable relation to the aforesaid `rnechanism and also to a plurality of inlet ports therein disposed, and a removable sealing closure arranged to form an external portion of the body member.

The subject device eliminates leakage that occurs because of defective valve seats and worn sealing washers, and provides a positive shut-off valve that is subject to a minimum of Wear because of its structural arrangement. Furthermore, for shut-off purposes, the mixture-control valve dispenses with the customary screwthreaded control shafts or stems, which must necessarily interengage with corresponding screwthreads formed within the body member. As a result, the frequent replacement of defective shafts or stems, and the periodic replacement of the entire unit because 0f worn or stripped screwthreads within the body member, are additional factors eliminated by the invention.

rEhe neutral center hereinafter referred to in the specification signifies the off 'position or fully closed attitude of the mixture-control valve, the invention being defined with reference to a combination water faucet wherein cold water is obtainable through rotation of the control handle in a clockwise direction from the neutral center, and hot Water is obtainable through counterclockwise rotation ofthe control handle from the same position. It is to be understood, of course, that valve arrangements that operate oppositely can be employed.

rlhe valve-in-valve mechanism is provided with a plurality of inlet ports that release a desired volume of flow of either cold or hot water, with such volume of now being effected through rotation of the control handle from the neutral center position and with such rotation being in the direction of the selected element. For a mixture of the two elements, rotation of the control handle from neutral center in a counter-clockwise direction delivers hot water, the volume of flow increasing in proportion to the extent of such rotation. In this phase, rotation can conclude at any attitude within the arc of travel that produces the necessary volume of now.

2 Cooler flow is obtainable by reversing the direction of rotation of the control handle until the proper temperature is forthcoming.

Another feature is the provision of structure whereby the volume of flow of hot water remains constant during the interim that the temperature of the water is decreased to the desired tepidity by reversing the direction of rotation vof the control handle.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a mixture-control valve comprising one control handle by which two separate liquids are regulated to permit iiow of each liquid through an independent inlet port into a valve chamber, said liquids being free to flow from said chamber into a common outlet for disposal.

Another object is to provide a mixture-control valve having means for individual selective control over the two separate liquids at the inlet ports of said valve.

Still another object is to provide a mixturecontrol valve having the characteristics heretofore defined wherein two separate liquids can be mixed in the valve chamber thereof, and the volume of flow during such mixture can be regulated to produce any capacity of discharge by means of the control handle provided therefor.

An additional object is to provide a mixturecontrol valve whereby, through rotation of the control handle, the interfusion of liquids can be regulated to provide a desired ratio between the two separate vliquids during simultaneous flow into the valve chamber through their respective inlet ports.

Another object is to provide a mixture-control valve 0f the aforementioned type that is capable of producing a regulated mixture between two separate liquids of different temperatures, wherein the volume of cw remains constant while temperature is diminished or increased by means of the control handle.

Still another object is to provide a mixturecontrol valve having the features set forth that embodies a relatively compact over-all construction, thereby making it entirely suitable for adaption to water faucets, and similar devices, in lieu of arrangements that utilize dual-control handles for effecting the saine purpose.

A further object is to provide a mixture-control valve having a positive shut-olf device that is substantially huid-tight against the leakage of liquid flowing therethrough, and that requires a minimum of maintenance during the service thereof.

A still further object is to provide a mixturecontrol valve characterized by a minimum number of parts of relatively simple and inexpensive construction, thereby making it adaptable to manufacture at comparatively low cost.

These and other objects of the invention, and the various features of the construction and the operation thereof, are hereinafter fully set forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view longitudinally through a mixture-control valve installed on a combination water faucet of the type illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one arrangement of the mixture-control valve installed on a combination water faucet, or similar device;

Fig. 3 is an exploded elevation of the mixturecontrol valve mechanism, with portions of some members illustrated in fragmentary section;

Fig. 4 is an exploded elevation of the mixturecontrol valve housing as applied to a combination Water faucet, or similar device, of the type shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the control valve, showing the plurality of inlet ports thereof and the female regulator stop disposed in the end thereof;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the mixture valve, showing the plurality of inlet ports thereof, the male regulator stop coupled to the actuating shaft, and the valve wall at the juncture therebetween;

Fig. '7 is a perspective view of the pivot sleeve. showing the stop that limits rotation of the valve mechanism, the bearing surface at the one end, the bearing flange at the other end, and the internal locking means that extends longitudinally therethrough;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the valve housing applied to a combination water faucet, or similar device, of the type shown in Fig. 2 illustrated in fragmentary section to show one inlet port thereof, the bearing boss and angularly inclined shoulders that cooperate with the limit stop shown in Fig. 7, and the recessed seat located perpendicularly in the wall between the shoulders to dei-lne neutral center of the mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view longitudinally through a modied arrangement of the mixture-control valve mounted in a combination water faucet, or similar device; and,

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic plan showing the arrangement of inlet ports, and the relation of the regulator stops, the limit stops, and the inlet ports governed thereby.

Similar numerals refer to throughout the several views.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, a mixture-control valve constructed according to the present invention is provided with a valve housing I having a substantially cylindrical surface 2. Arranged to extend transversely outward from the surface 2 are a pair of cylindrical members 3 and 4 having bores or passages 5 and 6 respectively, wherethrough two separate liquids are adapted to flow to inlet ports 1 and 8 respectively. Ports 1 and 8 are disposed in a wall portion 9, which surrounds a tapered seat I0 bored coaxially to a predetermined depth to terminate therein at a rearmost wall II arranged normally to the longitudinal axis through the valve housing I (see Fig. 8). Members 3 and 4 are arranged in linear opposition. External screwthreads I2 on said members 3 and 4 provide means to attach the mixture-control valve to fixtures, or other devices, that form a portion of the supply sources leading thereto. Alternatively, the

similar parts 4 members 3 and 4 can be aligned in a manner other than that indicated in Fig. 2.

Annular bearing I3 is seated on the lip of wall portion 9 (Fig. 8). External screwthreads I4 on said wall portion carry a sealing nut I5 having internal screwthreads I6, said nut I5 defining a recessed portion I1 therein extended. To render the joint iiuid tight between the respective screwthreads, I4 and I6, of the valve housing I and of the sealing nut I5, an annular sealing gasket I8 is disposed in a circumferential undercut I9 positioned to form an extension of the maximum diameter of the screwthreads I6. Said undercut forms a wall that provides a bearing for seating of the annular sealing gasket I8. Thus, a, wrench applied to the polygonal surface 2| of the sealing nut I5 for tightening said nut upon the screwthreads I4 of the valve housing I5, compresses and forces the annular sealing gasket I8 into fluid-tight sealing contact with the adjacent wall 20 of the sealing nut I4 and with the related bearing surface I3 of the valve housing I. The crown 22 of the sealing nut I5 provides a hemispherical seat 23 wherein is seated conformably a resilient packing element 24 of like hemispherical shape.

A control valve 25 (see Figs. 3 and 5) having an external tapered seat 26 is carried rotatably in the tapered seat I0 of the valve housing I. Frontally of the control valve 25 in the area indicated at 21 (see Fig. l) is interposed a spring 28 of spider-like configuration (which otherwise may be a spring of the type illustrated in Fig. 9) said spring 28 bearing at the one end against the sealing gasket I8, the projecting legs 29 of the spring 28 being in compressive engagement with the peripheral rim of the control valve 25. In the arrangement so presented, the control valve 25 at all times is maintained at the extreme of longitudinal extension into the surrounding tapered seat I0 of the valve housing I to provide a fluidtight sealing contact between the surfaces of the mating tapered seats, and a like seal is effected between the tapered seat 26 of the control valve 25 and the inlet ports 1 and 8 of the valve housing I when all members are positioned in their operable attitudes as illustrated in Fig. l and the valve mechanism is positioned at neutral center.

Mixture valve 30 (see Figs. 3 and 6) has its external cylindrical surface 3| inserted longitudinally into the control valve 25. Annular seat 32 of valve 25 is bored coaxially through the valve end 33. Said sea-t 32 is likewise constructed with a uniform diameter to produce a close seat in relation to the external surface 3| of the mixture valve 30. Valve 30 is free to rotate in valve 25. lArranged on the coaxial center of the wall 34 of valve 25 and projecting therefrom is an annular bearing 35 having a flat surface 36 that provides a bearing surface for the mixture valve 30 when the latter member is operationally positioned within the control valve 25. Frictional contact between the adjacent parallel wall portions of the mixture valve 30 and the control valve 25 is minimized by said bearing 35. Through the Wall 34 and through the annular bearing 35 of the control valve 25 is a clearance bore 31. Actuating shaft 38 of the mixture valve 30 projects through said bore 31. Axially of the actuating shaft 38 are a series of clearance bores 39, 40 and 4I provided respectively in the spring 2B, the sealing gasket I 8 and the sealing nut I5. The bore 42 provided in the packing element 24 is necessarily not in excess of the diameter of the actuating shaft 38, in order to provide a fluid-tight packing seal.

'I'he actuating shaft 38, at the upper end thereof, is provided with flats 43, which can be square as illustrated in the drawings, or can comprise a plurality of serrations extending entirely around the circumference of the actuating shaft 38, said serrations paralleling the axis of said shaft. The flats 43 terminate at a shoulder portion that limits the position of a control handle 44 seated thereon. The control handle 44 is formed with a hub 45 having internal ats 45 adapted to nest over the ats 43 of the actuating shaft 38. Axially extended into the actuating shaft 35 at the outermost portion are internal screvvthreads 4l that engage the external screwthreads 48 of the retaining screw 49, thus providing means to bear the screw head 50 against the hub 45 for maintaining the control handle 44 assembled rigidly on the actuating shaft 38.

In the wall 34 of the control valve 25, as depicted in Figs. 3 and 5, tit-.ere is a female regulator stop 5I. Said stop 5I comprises a sectoral opening extending between the bore 3l and the annular seat 32, and along radii of the sectoral opening is a shoulder 52 and a shoulder 53 having an angular displacement of about forty (40) degrees as opposed one to the other. Each shoulder 52 and 53 is displaced from its respective radial axis to a plane outwardly situated in parallelism therewith, with such displacement for each shoulder 52and 53 being equal to h-alf the thickness of a cooperable male regulator stop 54 of the mixture valve 30. The aforementioned angular relation of the shoulders 52 and 53, one to the other, has direct association with a plurality of inlet ports, as hereinafter dened, which are embodied in the three members comprising the valve housing I, the control valve 25, and the mixture valve 35. When the mixture valve 35 is seated in the control valve 25, the male regulator stop 54 projects through the female regulator stop 5 I. Thus, a stationary interval is provided for the control valve during a portion of the cycle of rotation of the mixture valve 35. Thereafter, the male regulator stop 54 contacts either the shoulder 52 or the shoulder 53, depending on the direction of rotation of the handle 44, and rotates both valve members 25 and 30,

A plurality of sectoral passages 55 wherethrough the liquids are adapted to flow are defined by a plurality of radial spokes or webs 5S that make the valve 25 rigid.

The mixture valve 3G nests fully within the control valve 2a. inwardly extending through the valve end 51 of the mixture valve 35 is an annular recess 58. The annular recess 58 terminates at wall 59. Projecting longitudinally from the wall 55 is the actuating shaft 38, the male regulator stop 54 extending from the surface of said actuating shaft and from the wall 59, with said stop 54 extending radially from shaft 38 and lying parallel to said shaft 38. The height of the male regulator stop 54 permits rotational clearance thereof when operated within the confines of the female regulator stop 5I of the control valve 25, and the length thereof produces engagement with the shoulders 52 and 53 of the female regulator stop 5I when the mixture valve 3i] is positioned in the control valve 25 and rotated therein. The valve wall 59 of the mixture valve is provided with a plurality of sectoral passages 6!! wherethrough liquids are adapted to flow. Said passages 6@ are defined by a plurality of radial spokes or webs 6I that make the valve structure rigid.

A pivot shaft 62 (see Fig. 3) extends parallel to shaft 38 and beyond valve end 51, and carries at its end flats 63, which can be square, as indicated on the drawings, or can comprise a plurality of serrations extending entirely around the circumference of the pivot shaft 62 and parallel to the axis thereof to carry a pivot sleeve 64. Complemental internal flats 65 extending through the cylindrical body 65 of pivot sleeve 64 provide meansto rotate said pivot sleeve 64 through the pivot shaft 62.

A flange 61 (see Figs. 3 and '7) is formed on one end of the cylindrical body 66. Said flange 61 provides a bearing surface 68 on the outer face thereof. A helical load spring 69 is carried on the pivot shaft 52 for compressive engagement, at the one end, with the wall 59 of the mixture valve 35 to maintain the latter member fully positioned at all times within the confines of the control valve 25. and at the other end to engage compressively with the bearing surface 68 to maintain the pivot sleeve 64 at its outermost working position during rotation. Means to stabilize the mixture valve 30 and the pivot shaft 62 extending therefrom against lateral movement is incorporated on the cylindrical body 56 of the pivot sleeve G4, whereon is formed bearing 10. Said body is rotatable in a complemental female bearing 1I bored axially into annular boss 32.

The annular boss 12 (see Fig. 8) projects inwardly toward the vvalve chamber formed within the wall II of the valve housing l. The uppermost portion of the annular boss 12 is slotted sectorally at an angle of about sixty degrees on either side of the vertical center, with the slot extending to the surface of the wall I I to provide a shoulder 13 on the one side and a shoulder 14 on the other side that each functions as a limit stop for the valve mechanism. A male regulator stop 15 is formed on the pivot sleeve 64. When the male regulator stop 15 is rotated, it engages shoulder 'I3 or shoulder 14, as determined by the direction of such rotation from neutral center, to provide a means `to limit rotation of the valve mechanism.

The male regulator stop 15 extends radially from body 56, and parallel the longitudinal axis thereof. The aftermost surface of the male regulator stop 15 is rounded to form a concave seat 16 that mates with a convex seat 11 in the inner surface of the wall Il of the valve housing I. Said convex seat 11 is disposed between the shoulder 13 and 14 of the annular boss 12, and retains the valve mechanism in neutral center.

, The male regulator stop 15 of the pivot sleeve 64 is arranged with the concave'seat 16 situated outwardly adjacent to the bearing 1U, to permit the said bearing 10 to be seated in the female bearing 1I of the annular boss 12.

The male regulator stop 15 can be displaced from neutral center by rotation of the control handle 44, and can thereafter be rotated until the said stop 15 engages either the shoulder 13 or the shoulder 14 as determined by the direction of such rotation, the limit so reached being the full open position of the valve mechanism in that direction. f

A valve chamber 18 (see Fig. l) is defined between the valve mechanism and the wall Il of the valve housing I. Liquids are adapted to flow from said chamber 'i8 into a communicating outlet 19 that extends through a cylindrical portion 8i) (see Fig. 4) that projects downwardly from the lowermost surface of the Valve housing I. A bearing shoulder 8| on said portion 80 extends inwardly to the cylindrical portion`82 of reduced section. Carried on the cylindrical portion 82 is a swingable spigot 83 having a circular body portion 84. A clearance bore 85 extends axially through the circular body portion 84. An annular sealing washer 8E having a bore 81 is interposed between the said bearing shoulder 8| and the adjacent bearing surface 88 that is formed on the uppermost surface of the circular body portion 84. A like annular sealing Washer 86 is interposed between the bearing surface 89 that is formed on the lowermost surface of the circular body portion 84 and the adjacent bearing surface 90 of the hexagonal cap-nut 9|. The cap-nut 9| has internal screwthreads 92 in annular recess 93, said screwthreads engaging complemental external screwthreads 94 on cylindrical portion S2. The cap-nut 9| seals the outlet 19. The arrangement so dei-ined is such that the combination of members provides a substantially fluid-tight joint yet permits rotation of the swingable spigot 83.

Flow of liquids from the outlet 19 is effected through a plurality of outlet ports 95, of elongated section, in the wall of the cylindrical portion 82, said ports 95 communicating with an annular recess 96 in body portion 84, which entirely surrounds the aforesaid plurality of outlet ports 95. The stem 91 of the swingable spigot 83 projects from the circular body portion 84, and contains a bore or passage 98 which, at the one end, communicates with the annular recess 96 and, at the other end, terminates at a stem portion 99 of elbow-like configuration where the liquids are discharged.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, a shoulder projects afterwise of the valve housing said shoulder having formed on the upper-most side thereof a shelf Internal ats |02, which can be square in cross-section, as indicated on the drawings, or can comprise a plurality of vertical serrations disposed circumferentially therein, extend into shoulder |00. A pedestal |03 seated in said flats incorporates complemental flats |04 that extend upwardly to a flange |05. The flange |05 seats upon said shelf |0| to limit extension of the Fig. shows diagrammatically the plurality of inlet ports and stops cooperable therewith. Flow of cold water is effected through clockwise rotation of the control handle 44 from neutral center. Upon such rotation, the mixture valve 30 turns clockwise, while the control valve 25 remains stationary until continued clockwise rotation causes the male regulator stop 54 of the mixture valve 30 to contact the corresponding shoulder 53 of the female regulator stop 5| of the control valve 25. That is, rst the inlet port |01 of the control valve 25 and the inlet port |08 of the mixture valve 30 are superimposed. Then, upon continued clockwise rotation by the control handle 44, the valves 25 and 38 rotate in unison, and the superimposed inlet ports |01 and |08 pass over the inlet port 8 of the valve housing to permit increasing flow of cold water in proportion to the open area increasing therebetween. When the control handle 44 is extended to the fully open position, as limited by the male regulator stop of the pivot sleeve |54` 8 trol valve and the inlet port |08 of the mixture valve are all three fully superimposed to provide maximum flow of cold water into the valve chamber.

When the control handle 44 is rotated counterclockwise from the fully open position to neutral center, the control valve 25 remains stationary at the fully open position during the interim that the male regulator stop 54 is displaced from contact with the shoulder 53 of the female regulator stop 5| towards contact with the shoulder 52 of the female regulator stop 5|, while the mixture valve 30 closes the area existing between the inlet port |08 thereof and the adjacent inlet port |01 of the control valve 25 to decrease gradually flow of cold water, so that the two related inlet ports |01 and |08, at the extent of the interval so occurring through the cycle of reversed rotation, are closed fully to further flow of cold water. When the control handle 44 has been returned to neutral center of the valve mechanism, the inlet port |01 of the control valve 25 is displaced beyond further communication with the inlet port 8 of the valve housing to provide a positive shut-off for the cold water.

Flow of hot water is eiected through counter-'- clockwise rotation of the control handle 44 from neutral center. Through such rotation, the mixture valve 30 is rotated counterclockwise while the control valve 25 remains stationary until the male regulator stop 54 of the mixture valve 30 contacts the corresponding shoulder 52 of the female regulator stop 5| of the control valve 25. At the conclusion of such interval, the inlet port |09 of the control valve 25 and the inlet port |0 of the mixture valve 30 are superimposed. Upon continued counterclockwise rotation, the valves 25 and 30 rotate in unison, and the superimposed inlet ports |09 and ||0 pass over the inlet port 1 of the valve housing to permit ow of hot water in proportion to the open area increasing therebetween. When the control handle 44 is extended to the fully open position, as limited by contact of the male regulator stop 15 of the pivot sleeve 64 with the corresponding shoulder 13 of the annular boss 12, the inlet port 1 of the valve housing and the inlet port |09 of the control valve 25 and the inlet port |0 of the mixture valve 30 are all three superimposed fully to provide maximum ow of hot water into the valve chamber.

When the control handle 44 is rotated clockwise from the fully open position to neutral center, the control valve 25 remains stationary at the fully open position until the male regulator stop 54 contacts the shoulder 53 of the female regulator stop 5I. Meanwhile, the mixture valve 30 closes the area existing between the inlet port |0 thereof and the adjacent inlet port |09 of the control valve 25 to decrease gradually ow of hot Water, until inlet ports |09 and ||0, at the extent of the interval, are closed fully to further ow of hot water. When the control handle 44 has been rotated clockwise to neutral center of the Valve mechanism, the inlet port |09 of the control valve 25 is displaced beyond further communication with the inlet port 1 of the valve housing to provide a positive shut-off for the hot water.

To provide simultaneous ow of cold and hot water, the control handle 44 is rotated counterclockwise to the fully open position, Where the inlet port 1 of the valve housing and the inlet port |09 of the control valve 25 and inlet port ||0 of the mixture valve 30 are all three superimposed fully, thus providing maximum ow of hot waterV into the valve chamber. Another inlet port III is provided in the control valve 25 at the cold water inlet, said port III being adapted to be fully superimposed over the inlet port 8 of the valve housing I. Still another inlet port |I2 is provided in the mixture valve 39 at the cold Water inlet, said port 2 lying marginally upward of. the topmost edge of the inlet port III of the control valve 25. Thus, at the hot Water inlet, the inlet ports 1, |99 and. |||l are superimposed to provide maximum ow of hot water, whereas, at the cold water inlet, the inlet port I2 restricts iiow of cold water by maintaining a closed area over the superimposed inlet ports 3 and I II.

Maximum flow of hot water can be maintained while providing simultaneous ilow of hot and cold water, so that the ilow of the two separate liquids can be regulated to any temperature. To obtain such simultaneous ow of the two separate liquids at desired temperature, the control handle 44 is rotated counterclockwise until the desired volume of flow is forthcoming. Should cooler ow at that volume of now be desired, the control handle 44 is rotated clockwise toward neutral center.l By such rotation of the control handle 44, the control valve 25 remains stationary while the male regulator stop 54 recedes from contact with the shouler 52 of the female regulator stop 5| to assume contact with. the shoulder 53 of the female regulator ystop 5|. During such interval the inlet port ill) of the mixture valve 30 recedes from a superimposed attitude over the inlet port |Il|l of the control valve to decrease the now of hot Water in proportion to the inlet area there diminishing. Meanwhile, the inlet port II2 of the mixture valve at the cold water inlet advances over the inlet port III of the control valve 25 to increase the flow of cold water in proportion to the inlet area there enlarging. During the interval that the control valve 25 has remained stationary, the inlet port II2 of the mixture valve 30 atthe cold water inlet has been fully superimposed by the related cold Water inlet ports 8 and |I2, whereas the inlet port I Ill .of the mixture valve 3|) at the hot water inlethas receded to aV position beyond further communication with. the related hot water inlet ports I and |09. The decrease of inow of one liquid` and the increase of inow of the other liquid are in direct. ratio.

Thus, the subject structure provides effective means for regulating the mixture-control valve to provide individual selective or combined flow, at desired volume, of two separate liquids for discharge thereof through a common outlet. Such volume of flow remains constant during the regulating process by which the temperature of the mixture is varied as clesired, and such volume can be increased or decreased as desired. Furthermore, when rotating the control handle 44 to neutral center, positive shut-olf is provided between the valve housing .and the control valve 25, so that said members .are sea-led against the leakage of liquids flowing into the mixture-control Valve at high pressures.

Another form. of the vinvention adapted for bulkhead or similar mounting is shown in Fig. 9.

A mixture control valve constructed according to the presen-t invention as disclosed in Fig. 9 comprises essentially a plurality of members associated with a valve housing II3 having a cylindrical surface I I4 from which depends a pair of inlet members ||5 and IIS of elbow-like formation. Bores or passages Ill and IIS respectively in said inlet members |I5 and ||6 permit two separate liquids to flow to communicating ports 'l and 8 respectively, said ports being disposed in a wall portion ||9 that surrounds the tapered seat Il) bored coaxially into the valve housing I I3. At the outermost extremities of each member II5 and IIE are internal screwthreads |29 whereby the mixture control valve is attachable to fixtures, or other devices, that form a portion of the supply sources leading thereto.

Circumferentially of the Valve housing ||3, and surrounding the uppermost portion thereof are external screwthreads I4 that carry connector |2| having internal screwthreads |22 therein. To render the joint fluid tight between the screwthreads I4 and I 22 of the valve housing II3 and the connector |2I, respectively, an annular sealing gasket |23, provided with a substantial bore I 24 therethrough for liquids to flow, is disposed in a circumferential undercut |25 that defines an extension of the :major diameter of the internal screwthreads |22. Said gasket |23 forms a bearing shoulder |25. A bore or passage |2'I that extends axially through the connector |2I encloses actuating shaft 33 of the mixture valve 30. The arrangement so defined is such that a wrench applied to the polygonal external surface |28 of the connector I2I, for tightening of the screwthreads |22 of the latter member upon the external screwthreads I4 of the valve housing H3, compresses and forces the annular sealing gasket |23 into fluid tight sealing contact with the bearing shoulder |23 of the connector |2I and with the related bearing surface |3 of the valve housing IIS.

The connector I2 I, at that portion uppermostly of the polygonal external surface |28, incorporates a second bearing shoulder |29 that abuts an annular collar |33. IIhe annular collar |30 is positioned in an opening of the bulkhead I3I, or similar mounting. Above the bulkhead I3| the extending portion of the annular collar |30 is provided with external screwthreads |32 whereon is carried the oomplemental internal screwtheads |33 formed in the circular body portion |34, said body portion I 34 having a bore or passage |35 that extends axially through a portion of the fixed spigot |36.

To render the joint iluid tight between the bulkhead |3| and the bearing shoulder |29 of the connector I2| on the one side, and between the bulkhead |3| and the bearing flange I3'I on the other side, annular sealing gaskets |38 are interposed between the aforesaid adjacent bearing surfaces, with the annular sealing gaskets |38 being provided with clearance bores |39 for assembly over the annular collar |39. The arrangement so defined is such that the screwthreads |32 and |33 of the annular collar |39 and of the circular body portion |34, respectively, when tightened one within the other, compress vand force the annular sealing gaskets |38 into huid-'tight sealing contact with 4the adjacent bearng surfaces there provided.

Situated uppermostly of the internal screwthreads |33 of the circular body portion |34 is a stem M0 that projects outwardly, a bore or passage I4I being provided in said stem for liquids to discharge through a spout |32 of elbow-like construction.

vthe connector |2 The bore or passage |35 of the circular body portion |34 communicates with integral clearance bore |43, and the actuating shaft 38 of the mixture valve 30 extends therethrough. The bore |43 terminates at bearing surface |44, which forms the topmost extent of the fixed spigot |36. Circumferential of the bore |43 and on the circular body portion |34 are external screwthreads |45 that carry the internal screwthreads I6 of the sealing nut |5. A resilient packing element 24 and an annular gasket I8 are seated in said nut |5. To render the joint there formed fiuid tight, the arrangement is such that the screwthreads I6 and |45 of the sealing nut |5 and of the circular body portion |34, respectively, compress and force the annular sealing gasket I8 into fluid-tight sealing contact with the adjacent bearing surfaces there provided.

Outwardly of the sealing nut |5, and on the extreme end of the actuating shaft 38, is assembled the control handle 44, which is maintained rigidly thereon by means of a retaining screw 49. Frontally of the control valve 25 is a compression spring |46 that bears at the one end against the periphery of the control valve 25, and bears at the other end against the annular sealing gasket |23 and the bearing shoulder |26 of The compression spring |45 is preferably of coil-like construction, as indicated in Fig. 9 of the drawing. To maintain the mixture valve 30 seated at all times within the confines of the control valve 25 to keep the pivot sleeve 54 at its outermost working position during all phases of rotation, a load spring t9 is interposed compressively to bear against the surfaces therefor provided.

The drawings and the descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention in two of its many embodiments, and various changes in design, in structure, and in the general arrangement thereof can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

I claim as my invention:

1. A mixture-control valve for faucets comprising a valve housing defining a chamber having a first and a second inlet port and a discharge port, a first valve seated rotatably in said chamber, said first valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second inlet port simultaneously with said registry of said first port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port when said first and second ports are out of such registry, means to rotate said first valve to effect such registry, a second valve seated rotatably in said first valve, said second valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port and with said first port of said first valve, a second port adapted to register with said second port of said first valve and with said second inlet port simultaneously with the removal from registry of said first port of said second valve and said first port, and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port and with said third port of said first valve simultaneously when all other ports are out of such registry, said second valve being rotatable by said means to effect such registry.

2. A mixture-control valve for faucets comprising a valve housing defining a chamber hav-` ing a first and a second inlet port and a discharge port, a first spring-loaded valve seated rotatably in said chamber, said first Valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second inlet port simultaneously with said registry of said first port and a third port adapted to register With said second inlet port when said first and second ports are out of such registry, means to rotate said first valve to effect such registry, a second spring-loaded valve seated rotatably in said first valve, said second valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port and with said first port of said first valve, a second port adapted to register with said second port of said first valve and with said second inlet port simultaneously with the removal from registry of said first port of said second valve and said first port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port and with said third port of said first valversimultaneously when all other ports are out of such registry, said second valve being rotatable by said means to effect such registry.

3. A mixture-control valve for faucets com prising a valve housing defining a chamber having a first and a second inlet port and a discharge port, a first valve seated rotatably in said chamber, said first valve having a rst port adapted to register with said first inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second inlet port simultaneously with said registry of said first port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port when said first and second ports are out of such registry, means to rotate said first valve to effect such registry, a second valve seated rotatably in said first valve, said second valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port and with said first port of said first valve, a second port adapted .to register with said second port of said first valve and with said second inlet port simultaneously with the removal from registry of said first port of said second valve and said first inlet port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port and with said third port of said first valve simultaneously when all other ports are out of registry, said second valve being rotatable by said means to effect such registry and means to rotate said second valve through a predetermined angle without rotating said first valve.

4. A mixture-control valve for faucets comprising a valve housing defining a chamber having a first and a second inlet port and a discharge port, a first valve seated rotatably in said chamber and sealing said inlet ports in one position, said first valve having a first port adapted to register with said first inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second inlet port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port simultaneously with the registry of said first port with said first inlet port, means to rotate said first valve to effect such registry, a second valve seated rotatabli7 in said first valve and sealing said first port of said first valve in one position, and sealing said second and third ports of said first valve in another position, said second valve having a first port adapted to register with said first port of said first valve and adapted to register with both said iirst port of said rst valve and said first inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second port of said first valve and adapted to register with both said second port of said first valve and said second inlet port and a third port 13 adapted to register with said third port of said first valve and adapted to register with both said third port of said rst valve and said second inlet port, said second valve being rotatable by said means to eiect such registry.

5. A mixture-control valve for faucets comprising a valve housing defining a conical chamber having a first and a second inlet port at opposite portions of the Wall of said chamber and a discharge port intermediate said inlet ports, the oor of said chamber containing a concave seat and a pair of limit stops extending radially thereon, a rst conical valve seated compressibly and rotatably in said chamber and sealing said inlet ports in one position, said first valve having a rst port adapted to register with said iirst inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second inlet port and a third port adapted to register with said second inlet port simultaneously with the registry of said first port with said rst inlet port, said rst Valve having a pair of limit stops extending radially on a ribbed face thereof distal said iioor, a second cylindrical valve seated compressibly and rotatably in said rst valve and sealing said rst port of said first valve in one position and sealing said second and third ports of said rst valve in another position, said second Valve having a first port adapted to register with said rst port of said rst valve and adapted to register with both said iirst port of said rst valve and said rst inlet port, a second port adapted to register with said second port of said first valve and adapted to register with both said second port of said rst valve and said second inlet port and a third port adapted to register with said third port of said iirst valve and adapted to register with both said third port of said first valve and said second inlet port, said second valve having an axial shaft, said shaft carrying a iirst male stop adapted to register with said limit stops of said rst Valve to rotate said rst valve and carrying i second male stop adapted to register with said limit stops of said housing, said second male stop having a convex portion adapted to engage said concave seat removably, and means exterior said housing to rotate said shaft.

PETER HAGEN.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STA'i'ES PATENTS I Number Name Date 446,341 Goehde Feb. 10, 1891 960,558 Koken June rI, 1910 1,078,252 Cacko NOV. 11, 1913 1,504,498 Petcher Aug. 12, 1924 1,629,821 Jacovatos May 24, 1927 1,642,623 Niven Sept. 13, 1927 1,801,847 Carder Apr. 21, 1931 1,943,865 Hennessey Jan. 16, 1934 

